Settled Marriott was never looking to leave Luton

Mike Simmonds

Striker Jack Marriott has never given any thought to leaving Luton despite reported interest in his services from other clubs over the summer.

Town boss Nathan Jone revealed to the News/Gazette last week that a number of the younger players at Kenilworth Road, including Marriott, could have departed since the end of the season after approaches were made.

“I don’t want to leave. The club’s going in the right direction and everyone knows it.”

Jack Marriott

However, nothing ever materialised and when asked if he had heard of any interest, Marriott, who recently saw his contract extended to 2018, said: “I’m not sure, there could well have been but I’m not really aware of it, I’m focused on my Luton Town career.

“I’ve been wanting to get settled for a while and now that I’m settled I’m more than happy to stay, I don’t want to leave. The club’s going in the right direction and everyone knows it.

“Everyone in the dressing room, all the staff in and around the club know the club is going in the right direction.

“It says it all, we’ve got Puma as our kit supplier and it’s those little steps up, and I think those little changes will all add up.

“I think we’ll achieve the main aim this season, promotion, top spot, who doesn’t want to go up automatically?”

On the fact that Luton have tied down most of their exciting youngsters including Marriott, Cameron McGeehan and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu to long-term deals, Town chief executive Gary Sweet, said: “Without mentioning names, there’s two or three of our first team squad that have been subject to enquiries but I think those lads know that they can achieve something here.

“Footballers really don’t like moving very much, they want to get settled and as a home, as a base, players generally do settle at Luton very well.

“Now we’ve got a great coaching team under Nathan, they’ve got that clear pathway, that clear direction.

“I think that’s even more so at the moment, what we’ve got to do is convert that to footballing success.”

Meanwhile Marriott, who bagged 16 goals in all competitions last term, was thrilled to see his deal extended.

He continued: “It was in my contract from an accumulation of goals and starts that meant that my option was taken up and I’m delighted it’s been sorted and I can relax.